Sock it to me!

Running in the cold weather can have some strange effects on the body. Recently on my chilly runs, I have noticed my feet numbing for the first mile or so. The numbness made it hard to keep running, but eventually it would wear away(or I just ignored it and continued on). A reliable source suggested it was due to poor circulation and suggested compression socks. Definately made a difference! Compression socks feature pressure flow technology to increase circulation during or after your run. They help maximize flow of oxygen to muscles, boost energy and speed recovery time so you can get back on your feet faster! They really do feel good after running-- I even wear them to bed sometimes, but not the same pair I wore while running!   

Combat the Cold

I recently fell in love with this Nike Pro Combat Thermal. It is the softest cold-weather garment I now own! I bought it in yellow but I'm going to buy another in this solid black with one graphic sleeve. My new favorite running top! Really makes you want to gear up and Combat the Cold- I highly recommend it!

Do somthing fun!

Don't force yourself to run before work if you hate running. Treat yourself to a fun workout today—really! Get moving however you like, whether it's yoga, belly dancing, or just jamming out in your bedroom to your favorite high-energy songs. Spend an hour breaking a sweat and having fun, and you'll be more likely to do it again tomorrow. The end result: This will be the year you get in your best shape ever, your way. For me, I am trying a Zumba class at my gym. I've never done it before, but I decided I should try out somthing new to break up my daily running. It's important to mix it up a little and discover somthing you never even knew you liked! You might not like the first work out you try-- but the variety is endless and half the fun!

               

Adopt a Good Habit

Focusing on the bad habits you want to break this year can be overwhelming. Instead, try to add one good habit to your daily routine—starting now! Want to quit coffee? Make one of your cups decaf today. Trying to eat healthier? Start the day with a piece of fruit. Stick to this for a week, then a month, and soon your daily healthy habits will just be second nature.

Happy Healthy 2011

I have never been a New Year's Resolution kinda girl. Too many people choose this time of year to kick a bad habit, or start a new one. You tend to set unrealistic goals and end up dissapointed and no better off than when you started. It is great to be motivated this time of year, but don't let your "resolutions" consume your life. Set small goals for yourself... no more peanut m & m's at work, only one sugar in your coffee, take the stairs to your apartment instead of the elevator. These small goals will give you a sense of accomplishment everytime you resist a sugary temptation or stay on the treadmill for an extra 5 minutes. You will feel great knowing you are sticking to somthing. However small or silly it may seem, you are bettering yourself each time to stay true to your word. Every small accomplishment will boost the confidence in youself to reach a higher goal, like losing weight or running a marathon. So don't make a yearly resolution, reach your goals day by day and have a Happy & Healthy 2011!

don't fret, stay fit!

With the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, it’s especially important to stay fit. Finding time to workout may be challenging, you may not be able to get in as much time at the gym as you’d like. But, its ALWAYS better to do part or half of your workout rather than nothing at all. Just twenty minutes of intense cardio can get your heart rate up and give you more energy throughout the day. Energy is essential during the holidays to keep you going during you busy schedule.

If you are having trouble sticking to a workout regimen, try scheduling your workouts into your planner. Keep your workouts booked just as you would any other important event. You’ll feel better knowing you have the time to get fit already penciled in!

And if you’re feeling guilty for cutting the gym to hit up some last minute holiday sales, listen to this: SHAPE.com tells us you can burn a respectable 420 calories in a two hour trip carrying your shopping bags around! A whole new outlook on power shopping! So no more excuses... stay active and fit during the holiday season and have fun doing it!



Who needs dumbells when you have shopping bags to do your bicep curls?!